Master Brewers Association of the AmericasPublicationsTechnical QuarterlyTQ Archive2025

​Tailoring Malt for Brewing and Distilling: Characteristics and Uses of Brewer's Malt, High-Diastatic Power Distiller's Malt, and Pot Still Malt​

​​​​​​MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-62-0102-01​  | VIEW A​R​​TIC​LE
Yin Li (1) and Harmonie Bettenhausen (2). 1. Department of Data Science, Research and Innovation, Malteurop North America, Milwaukee, WI, USA. 2. James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA​

Abstract
 

This mini-review explores the unique characteristics and applications of brewer’s malt, high-diastatic power distiller’s malt, and pot still malt in brewing and distilling. Brewer’s malt is optimized for high extract yield, ease of processing, and flavor stability, while high-diastatic power distiller’s malt and pot still malt are designed to maximize alcohol yield and comply with distilled spirit safety standards, such as controlling glycosidic nitrile levels. Understanding the specific properties of each malt type allows brewers and distillers to optimize their processes, ensuring high-quality production in both beer and whisky industries.